The ManicaPost
The allocation of funds from the Budget for the digitisation process is expected to increase the pace at which the project will be completed and Manicaland is set to benefit immensely.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa last week allocated US$22,6 million for the digitisation of nine television transmission sites, construction of six new transmission towers, upgrading of nine existing FM radio sites and digitisation of two television studios at the ZBC Montrose Studios in Bulawayo.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr George Charamba, who was on a tour of transmitter sites in Manicaland Province said there was further good news as the contractor had also agreed that portion of money owed be paid in local currency.
The first phase of the FM radio sites revamping exercise in Manicaland Province has seen a new transmitter and antenna system being installed, translating in increased signal strength among other benefits,’’ said Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) chief executive Mr Obert Muganyura.
There have been numerous spin-offs from the digitisation programme with local engineers now able to erect towers on their own as a result of skills transfer from the contractor. The generation of content for the new channels is also expected to create huge benefits for downstream industries. —ZBC Online.
